3 ideas from “The Carnivore Diet: An Introduction to Zero Carb Living” by Shawn Baker

This book provides a comprehensive guide to the carnivore diet, which is a diet that involves consuming only animal products. While this may seem extreme to some, the book explains why the carnivore diet has gained popularity in recent years as a way to improve overall health and wellness.

One of the main reasons people try the carnivore diet is to improve their health markers. The book explains that the carnivore diet can lead to improvements in a variety of health markers, including blood sugar levels, insulin sensitivity, and inflammation. This is due in part to the fact that the carnivore diet eliminates many of the foods that are known to be problematic for health, such as processed foods, refined carbohydrates, and vegetable oils.

There are several studies cited in the book that support the idea that the carnivore diet can improve health markers. For example, one study found that a high-meat, low-carbohydrate diet led to significant improvements in blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels in obese individuals. Another study found that a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet led to significant improvements in insulin sensitivity and triglyceride levels in overweight and obese individuals.

The book also argues that the carnivore diet is a sustainable way of eating, despite some criticisms that it is not. It explains that the carnivore diet is a sustainable way of eating for individuals because it is nutritionally complete. Animal products contain all of the essential nutrients that the body needs, including protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals. This means that individuals can thrive on a carnivore diet without needing to supplement with additional nutrients.

Moreover, it also argues that the carnivore diet is a sustainable way of eating for the planet. Raising animals for food can be done in an environmentally friendly way. For example, regenerative agriculture practices can help to sequester carbon in the soil, which can help to mitigate climate change. Therefore, the carnivore diet can be a sustainable way of eating for both individuals and the planet.

In addition to physical health benefits, the carnivore diet may also have benefits for mental health. The author explains that the carnivore diet can lead to improvements in mood, cognitive function, and mental clarity. This is likely due in part to the fact that the carnivore diet eliminates many of the foods that are known to be problematic for mental health, such as processed foods and sugar.

There are several anecdotes in the book from individuals who have experienced improvements in their mental health on the carnivore diet. For example, some individuals report feeling more focused and productive on the diet, while others report feeling more relaxed and less anxious. While these are only anecdotes, they may suggest that the carnivore diet may have benefits for mental health.

One potential concern with the carnivore diet is that it is high in saturated fat, which has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease. However, the book explains that there is no conclusive evidence linking saturated fat intake to heart disease. In fact, the book cites several studies that have found no association between saturated fat intake and heart disease risk.

It is worth noting, however, that the carnivore diet is a very low-carbohydrate diet, which can lead to a state of ketosis. Ketosis is a natural metabolic state in which the body burns fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates. While ketosis can have some health benefits, such as improved insulin sensitivity, it can also have some side effects, such as bad breath, fatigue, and constipation. Therefore, individuals considering the carnivore diet should be aware of the potential side effects of ketosis and should consult with a healthcare provider before starting the diet.